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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Day 11 Second Surgery Successful

I did one of these computer things where I wrote this blog for the day and then lost it before I could post. So I will try again and maybe include less detail.

Last night Louise was able to have the transfusion without any reaction and it fixed her blood so that it would coagulate. Today's surgery was scheduled for 5 pm. So it seemed like a long day just waiting for the time. Louise was able to sleep for most of the day. She was in way less pain but she also never got out of bed.

She went to surgery on time and it took about two hours. Dr. Standerfer was pleased with how well it went. It went as he thought it would with no complications. He found that both lungs had adhesions from her first surgery. The adhesions had kept the lungs from moving freely and expanding and contracting as they should. What I don't get is that he created tissue in the upper chest wall that would make the right lung adhere to the chest wall and seal the leak. So he eliminated adhesions and created adhesions and made the lungs work like they should. Go consult with your local thoracic surgeon if you want to understand it because I sure don't. He also put an upper and lower tube in her right side and just an upper tube in her left side. Yes these are the same size as the last ones but he also put an epidural in her back that should take most of the pain away from the tubes. We will see. He didn't think it would take the scratched chest pain away so we hope that doesn't hurt too much. She did not have to have a ventilator put in like they said she might. thank goodness. She is breathing well on her own. the doctor even showed me several pictures that he took with the scope. He used the pictures to explain what he did. They were beautiful full colored pictures of her lungs. But I don't think we will use them on our Christmas card next year. I didn't understand them very well either. Anyway, the doctor was very pleased with the surgery and said it was really the right time to do it.

When they finally brought Louise back into her ICU room, she was in so much pain. they had not started the epidural in OR. they waited until she got situated in her room first. that was a big mistake. It took at least 20 minutes of starting the medicine and then another shot of benedryl before she actually fell asleep. Until then she had me put music on and I rubbed her arm to try to ease the pain. It was the most pain she has been in since we came into the hospital. So I don't know how the night will go and how she will feel in the morning but right now she is sound asleep and all of her vital stats are real good. I better close now because it is late and I need to go home and sleep it off myself. Thanks for your interest.

Spence

11 comments:

  1. Oh dear Spence, your post is so comforting. Just to know she is out of surgery and breathing on her own is such great news. I can't even begin to imagine what her body has gone through and what you have gone through as her primary nurse! Who is taking care of YOU? I pray that this corrective surgery be the turning point for Webe in her journey to total recovery. May you both sleep well tonight and begin tomorrow with renewed energy and strength. God bless both of you and your entire family. Love, Deb

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  2. Oh my goodness. What a roller coaster ride! My heart goes out to both of you. Thanks, Spence, for taking the time to update us. We're still praying for you. Both of you.

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  3. Very relieved and grateful! I hope you both will rest well tonight.

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  4. What a relief that Louise went through the surgery so successfully, I will keep those doctors names on my temple list with yours and Louise.

    Thanks for the wonderful news about our sister with the heart of "gold", and a smile as big as the sky. What can I say, your just the best husband
    possible, I do hope you are holding up OK. She'll be home soon Spence, things will be better for you both once home.

    Peggy

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  5. Spence, thanks so much for keeping us updated. My heart aches for both of you - but....hopefully you are over the last hurdle. So GRATEFUL that the surgery was successful - Louise must be so exhausted from all of this - plus the pain - I can't even imagine what you both are going through. I hope both of you got lots of rest last night - and more today. Thinking of you....Love, Janet

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  6. very glad to hear her surgery was sucessful...hoping today is restful for you both...sending love and prayers

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  7. I am so grateful surgery went well. I have been very concerned. Great news to start my day. I hope Louise will be able to avoid as much pain as possible, today. We love you and are thinking of you. Tamara, Steve, Tahlea (Mom & Bill are also concerned and hope for Louise to heal quickly.)

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  8. I am thankful that the surgery went well. Hoping and praying that today is a better day. You and Louise are both amazing examples of faith and courage. May the Lord bless you both!

    Love,
    Annie

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  9. Well, you're through another harrowing experience. It sounds like you have an excellent doctor. Went to bed last night wondering how things went and even if she was able to have the surgery. I turned to your blog first thing this morning. Let's hope for a more peaceful and restful day for both of you today. Michael is sending his best wishes too. Glorianne

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  10. Spence, I can't say anymore than what has already been said. My heartfelt prayers go out to you and Louise throughout the day. I just can't imagine the pain she is going through and the pain you are going through with her. Love, Linda

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  11. Spence, I think being the one to watch ones you love in pain and struggling is almost as hard as being the person in pain. I hope it is all just continual recovery from here on. Love you both. Prayer works.

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